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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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HolUnger 



GEORGIA HISTORICAL 
SOCIETY 



F 281 
.G392 
Copy 1 



REMARKS 



.y^ 



OF 



Mr. Wi^^W. MAGKALL, 

President of the Society 




ON THE OCCASION 

OF ITS 

SEVENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY 

FEBRUARY 12th, 1918 

ON 

"THE DUTY OF THE HOUR" 



PRINTED BY 
DlftECrrON OF THE SOCIETY 



-.-f 



Fellow Members: It has been the custom of the Georgia 
Historical Society in the past, on the occasion of its anniver- 
saries, whenever practicable, to invite some distinguished citi- 
zen to address the Society on a subject of historical interest; 
but in view of the peculiar conditions now confronting the 
Country which have a tendency to draw the thoughts of all of 
us into the one channel of the war and its consequences, it was 
deemed advisable to dispense with this instructive function at 
this time. On the other hand, as the President of this old and 
honorable institution, I felt I could not permit the occasion 
to pass without at least giving utterance to the patriotic senti- 
ments which I know are overflowing in the loyal hearts of all 
of our members. For this reason, I have ventured, in all 
modesty, in connection with my report, to set down for your 
consideration some thoughts of a patriotic nature, giving ex- 
pression to my conception of the rights and duties of American 
citizens during this gigantic struggle for human liberty, and 
incidentally paying a tribute to the heroism of the American 
soldier, upon whose devotion and efficiency this country must 
depend for final victory, and which, for the want of a better 
name, I have entitled the "Duty of the Hour." And here I 
wish to be clearly understood that whenever, in the course of 
these remarks, I make reference to the American soldier, I 
always include in this expression the gallant sailors of our 
splendid Navy. 

Since the last annual meeting of the Society there has 
developed, and is still present with us, the most stupendous 
crisis which has ever occurred in the history of our country. 

On the 6th day of April, Anno Domini 19 17, the Congress 
of the United States, upon the advice of the President, by a 
joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
solemnly declared, for the just and honorable reasons therein 
set forth, that a state of war existed between the United States 
of America and the Imperial Government of Germany, From 
that fateful moment the German nation became, and is, our 



2 REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

implacable and ruthless enemy, and then and there our country 
became, and is, the loyal ally of those glorious nations who for 
nearly three long and cruel years have been battling with 
organized brutality for the preservation of civilization and the 
threatened liberties of the world. 

Up to the instant of the final passage of this epoch-making 
resolution, it is doubtful if more than a comparatively small 
portion of the people realized the full significance of this, our 
second Declaration of Independence. In the twinkle of an eye 
our ship of state, which had been calmly floating on the smooth 
and placid waters of Peace, unmindful of the approaching 
storm, found herself tossed and struggling in the dark and 
fearful billows of war. Then it was that the American people 
showed the stuff which they are made of. They remembered 
no more the opportunities which had been lost ; they rose above 
party affiliations and prejudices ; they buried their religious and 
social differences ; and uniting in one clarion voice, which has 
echoed around the world, they sang out "We Will Save the 
Ship" ; and to accomplish this end they forthwith conferred 
upon their illustrious captain, in whose patriotism and ability 
they had all confidence, powers the like of which have rarely 
before been exercised by the ruler of a civilized nation. And 
it is gratifying to the executive of a patriotic society, such as 
this, to be able to record that this confidence does not seem to 
have been misplaced. For when the crisis came and the storm 
burst, he seized the helm and with masterful skill met the fury 
of the blast, and I have the unswerving hope and belief that, 
under the blessings of God, and with the helpful co-operation 
of all that is great and good in American civilization, he will, 
in due time, guide the ship safely into port ; and even now there 
are some little signs to indicate that this happy and longed for 
day may come sooner than anticipated by most of us. 

While, therefore, I yield to no man in giving to him un- 
stinted praise for the great things he has so far accomplished, 
when he awoke from his ideal dream of "peace without vic- 
tory," and am prepared to applaud him for the greater things, 
which, I trust, it is his destiny to perform, nevertheless, I claim, 



REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

and shall alwa3S exercise, the privilege of an American citizen 
to entertain and express the view, shared in by many of the 
ablest patriots of the country, that in some instances his ap- 
pointments to public office have been most unfortunate, result- 
ing in gross inefficiency in a number of the Government's 
activities, and that, therefore, it would be wise on his part, and 
better for the country, if he would promptly dispense with the 
further service of such public servants who, however patriotic 
their motives may be, and however endeared to him by the 
ties of past association, have not measured up to the vast 
responsibilities which have been thrust upon them. Loyalty to 
friendship which merely involves individual sacrifice and dis- 
comfort is a sterling virtue, but loyalty to friendship which 
brings misfortune upon the country may become a vicious 
fault. 

There are some mistakes which, in the confusion and ex- 
citement of a great crisis, result from honest errors of judg- 
ment. These may be overlooked. But there are others which, 
arising from incapacity and lack of proper forethought, may 
not be forgiven by a free and intelligent people. In the latter 
category should be placed that cruel mistake whereby hundreds 
of thousands of young Americans were assembled at concen- 
tration camps throughout the country before adequate pro- 
vision had been made for their health, their comfort and their 
training. I might mention other grievous mistakes resulting 
from the "Cult of Incompetence," but the one to which I have 
already made reference is sufficient to illustrate the point I am 
urging, which is that the more pitiless publicity we can have 
with respect to the acts of public servants, the greater efficiency 
we may expect. Censorship is a good thing when its object is 
to keep from the enemy useful information, but it is an evil 
thing when its effect is to keep the people in ignorance of the 
true status of their affairs. This distinction should be recog- 
nized by those in power and acted on. 

The recent investigation into the conduct of the war on 
behalf of the United States Senate was, in my opinion, a wise 
and patriotic move in the right direction, for it has brought to 



4 REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

light the spots wherein our armor is weak, but at the same time 
it has demonstrated its general strength and effectiveness. This 
is in no sense a criticism of the President, for it renders him 
due praise for the vast and comprehensive fabric he has 
planned and put into operation ; but, on the other hand, points 
out to him where his plans have been delayed, and in some 
cases partially defeated by incompetent agents, thus giving 
him an opportunity to remedy the evil while there is yet time. 

In this connection I give as my individual opinion, that no 
measure which the President could inaugurate at this time 
would be hailed with more satisfaction by a majority of the 
people of the country than the acceptance by him of the princi- 
ple of a coalition administration during the continuance of the 
war. By this means alone can he hope to avert the jealousies 
of political factions and establish in the minds of the people 
the sublime thought that, while this great struggle lasts, there 
are no parties, but an united and enthusiastic nation moved by 
one impulse, to conquer or to die. 

I have no sympathy with that maudlin sentimentality which 
stamps as disloyal and unpatriotic every dignified protest 
against mismanagement in high places, and every just criticism 
of incapable public servants. For my own part, I can love and 
serve my country, and be faithful in my duty to my Com- 
mander-in-Chief, without sacrificing my self-respect and yield- 
ing up the great birthright bequeathed to us by the founders 
of the Republic : the sacred privilege of free thought and honest 
expression of opinion. 

And here, with your permission, I will make a short digres- 
sion. It has always struck me as a peculiar anomaly in the 
operation of our institutions, that in time of peace we are 
accustomed to boast, and with reason, that we are the freest 
and most self-governed people on the face of the earth, and 
yet when war comes upon us, or other great national emer- 
gency arises, almost automatically, under the guise of legislative 
sanction, it is true, our government becomes for all intents and 



REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 5 

purposes an absolute autocracy, and the President holds in the 
hollow of his hand the destiny of one hundred millions of 
people. 

This curious feature may be rational, indeed I can see it is 
a necessity, if we are to accomplish big results promptly, but 
it carries with it the elements of danger, and should be watched 
with jealous eye, so that, when the emergency passes, the su- 
premacy of the people shall be restored in all its majesty. And 
there is no weapon more potent for the accomplishment of this 
purpose than just and honest criticism, prompted by pure and 
patriotic motives. "Individual liberty and independence are 
and must be essential to human progress. This fundamental 
truth cannot be ignored with safety." 

But to resume. Unless we are to admit that those in au- 
thority have received a commission from God to shape the 
destinies of the nation, fair and candid criticism should be 
encouraged, for history teaches but by this means alone can 
errors be corrected and truth be enthroned. 

My friends, I declare it in all seriousness, that if we do not 
emerge from this war triumphant (an assumption which is 
beyond the range of my vision) the blame cannot be laid at 
the door of the American people, for they have pledged their 
lives, their fortunes and their honor to the cause. They have 
placed at the disposal of their President almost without restric- 
tion, billions of money, a supply of men and raw material 
practically inexhaustible, and above all that best of all assets 
of any nation, a host of faithful and patriotic women. While 
the task which was set before him and his advisers was indeed 
stupendous, nevertheless, the historian of these times will not 
fail to record that no government ever before entered upon a 
war under auspices so favorable to ultimate victory as this 
nation. They had back of them the richest country in the 
world, a people who in every past emergency were responsive 
to the call of duty ; a genius, which for constructive organi- 
zation and for achievement in Science and Mechanical Arts, 
was without a rival in the universe. There were but few new 



REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

problems to solve ; indeed, the greater of these, viz, the organi- 
zation and training of armies, the mobilization of industries, 
the preservation of resources and the co-ordination of depart- 
ments, had been worked out by the tests and experiences of 
our allies ; and finally, our enemy, powerful and efficient as he 
still is, had, to some extent, become exhausted by nearly three 
years of titantic warfare. If under these conditions we cannot 
conquer, then, Oh America, thou hast fallen from thy high 
estate ! 

But, my friends, the storm is still raging, and the war is 
still a living issue, and this brings us to the duty of the hour. 
If we are determined to accept no terms of peace which do not 
contemplate the attainment of the objects and ideals for which 
we drew the sword, which may be summed up in these few 
words. Restoration, Reparation, Reformation, and Restraint — 
to restore that which has been taken, to repair that which has 
been destroyed, to reform that which has been a menace, to 
restrain that which has been brutal, then it behooves us to 
abate not one jot or tittle our zeal and labor; to be prepared 
to make greater sacrifices than in the past, and to submit with 
cheerfulness to greater discomforts in the future. It behooves 
us further to do our part in making all the instrumentalities of 
our government effective ; to systematize and co-ordinate our 
labors so as to bring about harmony of action ; to assist the Red 
Cross and kindred organizations in their sacred work ; to obey 
without a murmur the regulations for the preservation of food 
and fuel ; to give up those luxuries which are not essential to 
our reasonable comfort ; to subscribe to the Liberty Bonds and 
other money raising agencies of the government to the utmost 
of our ability. If we have not the cash, let us not hesitate to 
pledge our credit ; we would do this to save our business or to 
rescue a devoted friend, should we not therefore cheerfully do 
this and more to serve our beloved country in its hour of need ? 
Better far a bankrupt pocketbook than a bankrupt citizenship ; 
to be cheerful even when we feel sad, remembering that even 
a smile may soothe some poor soldier's aching heart ; and 
finally to so keep alive the fire of patriotism, by word and by 



REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 7 

deed, by example and by precept, until its pure and steady 
flame shall reach the highest vault of heaven and send its 
cheering beams to the uttermost parts of the earth. 

But above all else it behooves us, in these solemn days, to 
give to our President, who represents the majesty of the people, 
our loyal support and co-operation in every movement which 
he may inaugurate for the country's welfare, even though there 
may be times when we doubt the wisdom of his policy. In 
other words, if a law is proposed which in your opinion is 
detrimental to the best interest of the country, do not hesitate 
as an intelligent freeman to oppose it, but if the law is once 
enacted, accept it cheerfully and obey it loyally, hoping always 
for the best. This would be my conception of democratic 
patriotism. 

To you, my fellow members of the Georgia Historical 
Society, I have to say: You have a sacred and special duty 
to perform. It rests upon you to see to it that the Georgians 
of today, following in the foot-prints of their illustrious an- 
cestors, will so conduct themselves as actors in this the might- 
iest drama which has ever been acted on the world's stage, 
that when the parts they played have been written up by the 
historian of the future, there will be no cause for their des- 
cendants to bow their heads in shame. Let us learn a lesson 
from the ideals of the American soldier. "He suffereth long, 
he envieth not, he vaunteth not himself, is not puffed up. He 
beareth all things, believeth all things, endureth all things." 
A distinguished writer in a recent number of the North Ameri- 
can Review justly observes : "Idealism wanes in prosperity 
and waxes in adversity. England has become a new England 
out of the adversities of this war, and in the same struggle a 
new America will be born." 

I have had the privilege of reading a number of letters of 
a young American officer now at the front, and they are so 
full of hope, faith and love of country, that I may be pardoned 
if I take the liberty of quoting a few extracts, taken at random, 
from this collection. In one letter to his mother he writes : 



8 REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

"The old order changeth, yielding place to the new ; the years 
have passed and again comes Christmas time, again the sound 
of drums and trumpet is heard, but this time it is not of small 
boys, but of soldiers marching to the front, singing the battle 
cry of freedom. I was happy then, and I am happy now." 
Another, to his father: "This is true life in a world of big 
things. I am doing and hearing new things every day, and each 
moment I realize how fortunate I am in having this oppor- 
tunity. I would not exchange my lot with anyone in the world, 
and as for being well and happy, I feel better than ever before 
in my life." Again, to his father: "Perhaps my dear mother 
still entertains the hope of my returning soon to America to 
instruct the recruits. Please, father, do everything in your 
power to convey to her the privilege and honor it is to remain 
here. You will understand when I tell you that I am far 
happier here than I would be in America. We are all happier 
here ; it is a happiness that I have never experienced before. 
It is true happiness." Once again, to his father: "I, too, am 
a believer in idealism, and feel assured that ultimately it will 
bring with it victory. Yes, the principle of Right is before us, 
and sooner or later we shall prove to the heathen that it is 
Right rather than Might that will win the last battle." I might 
add many more quotations of the same import, similar in sub- 
stance, I have no doubt, to thousands of others written by our 
brave boys to their parents in every part of this vast country; 
but the examples quoted above are sufficient. Do they not 
illustrate the spirit of the American soldier, and do you not 
rejoice that you are a citizen of a country which can produce 
such glorious men? 

I tell you my friends, God, in His infinite wisdom, can and 
does oftentimes bring good out of evil ; and thus it happens 
that even the great war, with all its unutterable sorrows and 
fearful frightfulness, may become a veritable "Pentecost of 
Calamity," a nursery for the growth and development of the 
noblest virtues: patience, endurance, brotherly love. Who is 
there in this audience who does not feel in his or her heart that 
this awful war for the freedom of the world in which we are 



REPORT OF PRESIDENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY V 

now engaged has made us better men and women? Where 
before we were weak, now we are strong; where before we 
were arrogant, now we are forbearing; where before we only 
looked without, now we look within ; where before we thought 
only of ourselves, now we think of others. This is what the 
war, through the example of the American soldier, has done 
for us. May God then bless and preserve him as he marches 
forth to battle for the right, and help those of us who are 
compelled by age, infirmity or duty to remain at home, to 
emulate his marvelous patience, his untiring endurance and his 
sublime faith. 

He fights not for glory, he cares not for fame ; 

He fights for his Country, which knoweth no shame ; 

He heeds not the causes which led to her plight ; 

He knows she is lovely, he swears she is right. 

He loves her and trusts her, whatever befall. 

She made him a freeman and gave him his all. 

He'll follow her banner, wherever it leads. 

And never grow weary in arduous deeds. 

He boasts not and speaks not of what he will do ; 

The lone path of duty he'll calmly pursue. 

He'll pull with the Briton in his tug with the foe, 

With a grip and a twist which never lets go ; 

He'll dash by the side of the glorious French. 

Through the tangle of wire and over the trench. 

His life is a lesson, untainted by pelf. 

Of patience, endurance and control of oneself. 

He will stand at his post, and show to the Hun, 

By Right, and not Might, the last battle is won. 

He'll never give up 'till "Old Glory" is furled. 

On the freedom of man, and peace of the world. 

In conclusion, I would express the prayerful hope that 
when again we assemble in this historic building, it will be our 
glorious privilege to celebrate a victorious peace and to do our 



10 REPORT OF PRESIBENT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

share in the regenerating of this distracted world on the lovely 
lines of Christian civilization and international fellowship 
which have been so eloquently portrayed, on more than one 
occasion by our great President. 

If my vision of the future be something more than an idle 
dream, or passing fancy, then I can see the day is coming 
when the Brotherhood of Nations, assembled "in the Parlia- 
ment of Mankind" shall, with one accord, amid the plaudits 
of a spiritualized people, beneath the broad canopy of a smiling 
Heaven, declare that the entire world is and shall be free. 

"Ring out the old, ring in the new ; 
Ring, happy bells, across the snow ; 
The year is going, let him go ; 
Ring out the false, ring in the true. 

Ring out old shapes of foul disease ; 
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold ; 
Ring out the thousand wars of old ; 
Ring in the thousand years of peace. 

Ring in the valiant man and free, 
The larger heart, the kindlier hand ; 
Ring out the darkness of the land. 
Ring in the Christ that is to be" 

Thenceforth and forever. 




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